North Orange County Community Colleges: A Comprehensive Overview
The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) stands as one of the premier community college districts in California, providing quality education to over 58,000 students. Established on July 1, 1965, NOCCCD has been an integral part of the growth of North Orange County’s community and economic vitality. The District encompasses approximately 155 square miles, with boundaries extending to the Riverside County line on the east and the Los Angeles County line on the west and north.
The NOCCCD Landscape
Led by Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland, NOCCCD employs 2,800 people and adds more than $2 billion in income to the Orange County economy. The District includes two award-winning credit colleges - Cypress College and Fullerton College - as well as one of the largest noncredit institutions in the state - North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE). Between the three campuses, NOCCCD offers 412 certificate programs and 230 degrees, making it the largest institution for higher education in North Orange County.
The District administrative offices and Board of Trustees Conference Room are located in a high-rise building at 1830 W. Romneya Dr. in Anaheim, the former site of the Martin Luther Hospital.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism & Accessibility (DEIAA)
NOCCCD’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism & Accessibility (DEIAA) means that they strive to eliminate barriers to equity and act deliberately to create a safe and inclusive environment where individual and group differences are valued and leveraged for growth and understanding as an educational community. DEIAA is a deeply held value by the District, and it is also their approach to teaching and learning that aims to improve the way they prepare students for a diverse and global environment.
Both Cypress College and Fullerton College are designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions with 51% and 55% Hispanic enrollment, respectively. Fullerton College is designated as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) with 12% Asian Pacific Islander enrollment.
Read also: North Carolina Basketball Greats
Cypress College
Founded in 1966, Cypress College offers 56 university-transfer majors, 176 career- certificate programs, and degrees in 73 areas of study. It is one of the few California community colleges with two baccalaureate degrees-in Funeral Service and Dental Hygiene.
Fullerton College
Beginning in 1913 with the establishment of Fullerton College, NOCCCD has been an integral part of the growth of North Orange County’s community and economic vitality. Fullerton College is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California. Since its first class of 26 students in 1913, it has grown to become one of the most successful community colleges in the nation.
North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)
North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) has been serving the community since 1973 with free, noncredit educational programs and services to empower our community. Located in northern Orange County, California, the North Orange Continuing Education provides non-credit continuing adult education and community service classes at all three of its campus locations, as well as numerous off-campus locations. NOCE has locations in Anaheim, California, Cypress, California and Fullerton, California.
Strategic Planning and Future Investments
North Orange County Community College District sought to develop a comprehensive master plan for its three campuses-Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)-to examine current programs and guide educational and facilities investments. B&D’s approach started with essential stakeholder engagement, including planning meetings with student leaders, faculty, staff, and administrators, District-wide online surveys, campus forums, and remote workshops. This process provided clarity around strategic goals, facility opportunities, and the future of educational programs at each campus.
Board of Trustees
The main governing body of the NOCCCD is the board of trustees. Meetings are open to the public and during the 2024 year will take place at the Board Room of the Anaheim Union High School District at 501 N. Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting.
Read also: Academic Pathways at UNC
Employment Opportunities
NOCCCD is always looking for highly qualified individuals who are committed to supporting a quality educational experience for our students.
NOCCCD Foundation
The NOCCCD Foundation was incorporated in 1987 to assist in the achievement and maintenance of superior educational and community programs of NOCCCD.
Innovative Programs and Grants
The District is pleased to announce a grant award from the Regents of the University of California, acting as a pass-through entity for the California Education Learning Lab and the Foundation for California Community Colleges to study the effectiveness of a new AI coach for writing and digital literacy.
Student Perspective
As I transfer to UCLA, I recognize I would not have been able to pursue my studies if it were not for the exceptional Fullerton College faculty, staff, and administration that has supported me in my academic endeavors.
Read also: North Brunswick School Board: An Overview
tags: #north #orange #county #community #colleges #overview
